Mike Doucette from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, is a Master of Ceremonies who has revived Mi’kmaq culture, not only in his hometown of Eskasoni, but right across the Maritimes. A child of Residential School survivors, Mike did not grow up with Mi’kmaq culture, his parents taught him English and Christian values, as they themselves were taught. Mike’s childhood was plagued with many of the common problems we see on reservations; alcoholism, drug-addiction, physical abuse, and domestic violence. It wasn’t until 30 years ago when a Sioux man brought a sweat lodge to Eskasoni that Mike found his spirituality.

Mike has spent the last 30 years of his life following Mi’kmaq traditions; in the early days he travelled around the Maritimes learning from the teachings of Elders, nowadays, he does the teaching. Mike has become a renowned and sought-after Master of Ceremonies for Mi’kmaq gatherings throughout Eastern Canada. Now facing Stage-4 cancer, Mike believes that these Mi’kmaq traditions should be immortalized and documented in film, so that his teachings may live on, even if he does not.